Kathy Ireland

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Kathy Ireland
Ireland at GooglePlex, 2012
Born
Kathleen Marie Ireland

(1963-03-20) March 20, 1963 (age 61)
Glendale, California, U.S.
Occupation(s)Model, actress, entrepreneur
Spouse
Greg Olsen
​
(m. 1988)​
Children3[1]
Modeling information
Height5 ft 10 in (1.78 m)
Hair colorAuburn
Eye colorBlue
Websitewww.kathyireland.com

Kathleen Marie "Kathy" Ireland (born March 20, 1963) is an American model, actress, author and entrepreneur.[2][3][4] Ireland was a supermodel in the 1980s and 1990s, best known for appearing in 13 consecutive Sports Illustrated swimsuit issues. In 1993, she founded a brand marketing company, "kathy ireland Worldwide" (kiWW), which has made her one of the wealthiest former models in the world.[3][5][6]

Early life

Kathy Ireland was born in Glendale, California, the daughter of John Ireland, a labor union organizer, and Barbara Ireland, who worked in charity.[7] Her first job was a paper route when she was 11. Her father showed her an ad for it which read “Are you the boy for the job?”, to which she responded with a letter to the newspaper, "No, I'm not the boy for the job, I'm the girl for the job, and I can do it just as well as any boy. I think that I deserve a chance." They gave it to her.[8]

Modeling

At age 16, Ireland was discovered by an agent for the Elite Model Management company.

She has appeared on covers for Vogue, Cosmopolitan,[9] Forbes,[3] Mademoiselle,[10] Glamour, Teen and Seventeen.

External images
image icon Ireland's Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue cover from February 07, 1989
image icon Ireland's Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue cover from March 9, 1992
image icon Ireland's Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue cover from February 14, 1994

Starting in 1984, Ireland was featured in the annual Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue for 13 consecutive years, with her final appearance in 1996.[11] She appeared on the cover of the annual issue three times, a feat tied by Christie Brinkley and Cheryl Tiegs, and surpassed only by Elle Macpherson (with five appearances). Ireland was the cover model for the first time on the 25th Anniversary Swimsuit Edition, which became SI 's best selling swimsuit issue to date.[12][13] She returned to the cover in 1992 and in 1994. In her third appearance, she was accompanied by Rachel Hunter and Elle Macpherson, who were both pregnant at the time.[13]

As a teenager, Ireland reported that a photographer once "crossed the line" with her and wanted her to pose topless. She didn't feel comfortable and he didn't respect her "no." He reportedly pushed her and got physical and she "decked him." [14]

During SI Swimsuit's 50th Anniversary event, Ireland's 1989 cover was awarded "The Greatest Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Cover Of All Time." [15]

Business ventures

Kathy Ireland Worldwide

In 1993, Ireland put her name on a line of socks for Kmart, which became a bestseller. The retailer subsequently gave Ireland her own clothing line.[16] She then founded kathy ireland Worldwide, initially a brand marketing firm, which she and her related trusts own in its entirety.[17] Since 1994, Ireland has published several fitness videos that led to her design of athletic apparel and launched her brand licensing of fitness equipment.[18]

In 2004, Ireland's annual take was thought to be around $10 million. Forbes described Ireland as a "prototype for model-turned-mogul" in a 2006 article about the trend of modelpreneurs.[19] By 2004, kathy ireland Worldwide was marketing products from 16 manufacturers, including those of Nourison[20] and Pacific Coast Lighting.[2][16] Between 2005-2012, Ireland's company grew to about $2 billion in annual sales and became a leader in its industry.[2][3] [21][21] In a May 2012 British Vogue article, Ireland was called the world's richest model.[22][23]

Other ventures

Ireland has branded products in many classifications including the Home, Fashion Apparel, Wedding, Fine Jewelry, Baby, Children's Toys and books, Publishing, Pet Care, Crafts and Gift markets.[24]
Ireland is chief designer for Royal Footwear & Accessories (The RFA Group).[25] She has established a relationship with manufacturer Gorham designing dinnerware, glassware and flatware.[26]

Ireland also designs wedding dresses and gowns, and her company provides rental sites for weddings. She also designed a collection of jewelry inspired by Elizabeth Taylor.[27]

Other activities

Public speaking

Ireland has delivered keynote speeches at corporate events, industry conventions, and pro-life events.[28][29] She spoke at the fourth Youth Assembly at the United Nations Headquarters on August 13, 2007 encouraging young people to engage in activities aimed at ending poverty.[30]

Ireland gave a keynote at the Googleplex, the corporate headquarters for Google on July 12, 2012.[31] She delivered the keynote at Licensing Expo 2012 in Las Vegas.[32]

Books

Ireland has written six books, including three for children. Her debut effort (with Laura Morton), Powerful Inspirations: Eight Lessons that Will Change Your Life, was published in 2002.[33] Real Solutions for Busy Moms: Your Guide to Success and Sanity and Real Solutions: 52 God Inspired Messages from My Heart were published in 2009. Her children's books, Mona's Favorite Words, What Do Mommies Do? and An Angel Called Hope, were released in November 2005.[34]

Videos

Ireland has published several VSDA Award winning videos including Total Fitness Workout, Core Workout, Absolutely Fit, Advanced Sports Fitness, Reach and Health and Body Specifics which was awarded Fitness Video Of The Year.[18]

Film and Television

Ireland has appeared in a number of television and movie roles. Her first movie, 1988's Alien from L.A., was later skewered during the fifth season of Mystery Science Theater 3000.[35] Ireland's other appearances include Melrose Place, Boy Meets World, The Larry Sanders Show, Muppets Tonight, Side Out, Mr. Destiny, Necessary Roughness, Mom and Dad Save the World, National Lampoon's Loaded Weapon 1 (as Miss. Destiny Demeanor), Once Upon A Christmas, and its sequel Twice Upon A Christmas. She also appeared in the ninth season of Dancing with the Stars, where Ireland and her partner Tony Dovolani were the third couple eliminated in the second week of competition.

In early 2015, MMP (USA) announced an agreement with Ireland to produce television programming. Production of the series, "Worldwide Business with kathy ireland", began in January 2015 in Los Angeles, California.[36]

Philanthropy

Ireland's sister, Cynthia, has a child with Down syndrome. Ireland wrote an article about her niece and the need for an increase in research.[37][38] Other Ireland-supported causes include Big Brothers Big Sisters, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, the Alliance for Global Education, the Alliance for Christian Education and the Make-a-Wish Foundation.[citation needed]

Ireland was presented with an honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters in 2012 by the California State University System, which said she "generously uses her power and influence to benefit others, supporting social causes including empowering women, supporting young girls through mentoring, and providing opportunities for girls and women at risk." [39]

Ireland has lent her estates to charitable organizations such as Toys For Tots to generate funds for charity.[40] According to Maj. Bill Grein, USMC (Ret,) Ireland’s Kathy Ireland Worldwide company and her book business partner Bendon Publishing International, the world’s largest publisher of children's books donated $10 million to supplement the 2013 annual Marine Corps’ Toys For Tots gathering and distribution of Christmas gifts for millions of at-risk children and youths.[41]

She received the WithIt 2013 Legacy Award on January 27, 2013 at World Market Center - Las Vegas.[42]

Ireland and NFL wide receiver Tim Brown are ambassadors for 9-1-1 For Kids, a non-profit organization that specializes in making educational materials to assist emergency dispatchers in teaching children the proper use of 9-1-1 and other general emergency preparedness tips.[43]

Ireland received the YWCA of Greater Los Angeles Phenomenal Woman of the Year award. On November 8, 2013, Ireland presented Los Angeles District Attorney Jackie Lacey with the YWCA of Greater Los Angeles’ Silver Achievement Award to honor Lacey’s work with abused and abandoned children. The award was presented at the 2013 Rhapsody Ball, held at the Beverly Hills Hotel.[44]

In an effort to encourage equality in women's athletics, Ireland has hosted several LPGA Golf Tournaments, entitled the Kathy Ireland Championship.

Israel

Ireland has been outspoken in her support for Israel. On October 15, 2009, she became an international ambassador for the Friends of Sheba Medical Center,[45] traveling back to the country in 2010 to film a documentary entitled Holy Land Heroes highlighting its work for wounded soldiers and terror victims.

On June 23, 2011, Ireland was honored by the Anti-Defamation League with the American Heritage Award presented by the National Home Furnishings Industry.[46]

She received the Messenger of Peace Award at the Jewish National Fund Tree of Life Gala in 2012.[47]

Personal life

Ireland is a Christian. She is a pro-life advocate.[48]

Ireland appeared on Larry King Live in 2009 to discuss her weight gain and women's health. She had gained a pound a year for 25 years and the cumulative effect had become obvious to her in a candid photograph her son had taken.[49]

Ireland received an honorary master's of fine arts degree from the for-profit American Intercontinental University's School of Design.[50]

Friendship with Elizabeth Taylor

Elizabeth Taylor and Ireland had a close friendship and attended public events together. After Ireland received outspoken criticism for her uneven performance as an on-air host of ABC's 2010 pre-Oscar special, Taylor publicly defended Ireland; "I have never seen anyone epitomize glamour and grace and professionalism like she did."[51][52]

Ireland publicly credits Taylor as her mentor and for part of her success in life, business, design and philanthropy.[53] Taylor bequeathed her Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Oscar to Ireland.[54]

Filmography

Film and Television
Year Title Role Notes
1985 Charles in Charge Woman in Line Episode:"Snowed In"
1988 Alien from L.A. Wanda Saknussemm Motion Picture
1989 Journey to the Center of the Earth Wanda Saknussemm Motion Picture
1989 Worth Winning Uncredited Motion Picture
1990 Grand Sheila Episode: "Carnegie Hall"
1990 Side Out Marie Motion Picture
1990 Mr. Destiny Gina Motion Picture
1991 Necessary Roughness Lucy Draper Motion Picture
1992 Tales from the Crypt Joyce Episode:"Beauty Rest"
1992 Mom and Dad Save the World Semage, Raff's Daughter Motion Picture
1992 Danger Island Laura TV Movie
1993 Loaded Weapon 1 Destiny Demeanor Motion Picture
1993 Down the Shore Rachel Episode:"Computer Date"
1993 The Larry Sanders Show Herself Episode:"The Breakdown: Part 1"
1993 Amore! Taylor Christopher Motion Picture
1993 A Perry Mason Mystery: The Case of the Wicked Wives Dee Morrison TV Movie
1994 Boy Meets World Alexis Episode: "Model Family"
1994 Bandit: Beauty and the Bandit Crystal TV Movie
1994 Melrose Place Brittany Maddocks Episodes: "Grand Delusions", "In-Laws and Outlaws", "It's a Bad World After All" and "I am Curious, Melrose"
1995 Backfire! Jessica Luvintryst Motion Picture
1995 The Watcher Pilot TV Series
1995 Deadly Games Amber Episodes: "The Camp Counselor: Parts 1 & 2"
1996 Gridlock Michele Conner TV Movie
1995–1996 The Fantastic Four Crystal (Voice) Episodes: "Doomsday", "The Sentry Sinister", "Inhumans Saga: Part 3: Beware the Hidden Land" and "Inhumans Saga: Part 2: The Inhumans Among Us"
1996 Miami Hustle Marsha Thomas TV Movie
1997 Sabrina, the Teenage Witch Shelley Episode: "Trial by Fury"
1997 Suddenly Susan Terri Episodes: "Love and Divorce American Style: Part 2" and "Love and Divorce American Style: Part 3"
1997 Duckman: Private Dick/Family Man Susan/Susie Episodes: "Vuuck, as in Duck" and "Aged Heat 2: Women in Heat"
1996–1997 The Incredible Hulk Ogress (Voice) Episodes: "Fashion Warriors", "Down Memory Lane" and "Fantastic Fortitude"
1998 The Lionhearts Survive (Voice) TV Series
1998 King of the Hill Sylvia Episode: "Peggy's Pageant Fever"
1999 Cosby Kara Episode: "He Who Hesitates is Lucas"
1999 Pensacola: Wings of Gold Sarah Episode: "Tip of the Spear"
1999 Touched by an Angel Karla Episode: "The Last Day of the Rest of Your Life"
2000 Once Upon a Christmas Kristen Claus TV Movie
2001 Twice Upon a Christmas Kristen Claus TV Movie
2002 Strong Medicine Amber Hutton Episode: "Trauma"
2002 For Your Love Rhonda Episode: "The Helpless Hand"
2002 Totally Spies! Julia Hastings Episode: "A Spy is Born: Part 1"
2009 Family Guy Cardboard Cut-out Episode: "Family Goy"

References

  1. ^ Perry, Katie. "A Beautiful Life". Retrieved July 9, 2013.
  2. ^ a b c Blakeley, Kiri (December 6, 2006). "Most Entrepreneurial Supermodels". Forbes. Archived from the original on September 23, 2008. Retrieved September 2, 2012. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  3. ^ a b c d Pomerantz, Dorothy (February 8, 2012). "How Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Model Kathy Ireland Became a $350 Million Mogul". Forbes. Retrieved September 2, 2012. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help) Cite error: The named reference "forbes" was defined multiple times with different content (see the help page).
  4. ^ Forbes, Moira (February 13, 2012). "Kathy Ireland: Swimsuit Cover Girl Turned $2 Billion Business Model?". Forbes. Retrieved July 7, 2013.
  5. ^ Welch, Liz (December 1, 2009). "reland graced the cover of Sports Illustrated's". Inc. Retrieved July 7, 2013.
  6. ^ Rizzo, Monica. "Kathy Ireland's Shocking Weight Gain (and Loss)". People. Retrieved July 6, 2012.
  7. ^ Kathy Ireland Biography (1963–)
  8. ^ Powerful Inspirations: Eight Lessons That Will Change Your Life By Kathy Ireland
  9. ^ "Kathy Ireland – Profile". E!. Archived from the original on April 23, 2008. Retrieved September 2, 2012. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  10. ^ "Mademoiselle United States January 1983 Magazine Cover". Retrieved February 2, 2015. {{cite news}}: |archive-date= requires |archive-url= (help)
  11. ^ "Collosus Collectibles Sports Illustrated Swimsuit". Retrieved July 30, 2008.
  12. ^ John G. Zimmerman. "SI Swimsuit Collection – Kathy Ireland". Sports Illustrated. Retrieved July 30, 2008.
  13. ^ a b "Sports Illustrated 50: The Anniversary Book, Rob Fleder, 2005, p.286, ISBN 1-932273-49-2". CNN. Retrieved May 7, 2010.
  14. ^ "Kathy Ireland Opens Up For the First Time About Her Uncomfortable Modeling Experience at 17". Retrieved June 6, 2014.
  15. ^ "SI Swimsuit reveals its No. 1 cover of the last 50 years". Retrieved February 5, 2014.
  16. ^ a b Blakeley, Kiri (May 7, 2004). "The Model Mogul". Forbes. Archived from the original on May 24, 2011. Retrieved August 1, 2008. {{cite news}}: |archive-date= / |archive-url= timestamp mismatch; June 4, 2011 suggested (help)
  17. ^ Boone & Kurtz (2007). Contemporary Business 12th Edition. {{cite book}}: |work= ignored (help)
  18. ^ a b "Kathy Ireland Biography". Retrieved February 2, 2015.
  19. ^ Blakeley, Kiri (December 6, 2006). "Models Turned Moguls". Forbes. Archived from the original on January 2, 2013. Retrieved August 1, 2008.
  20. ^ "Nourison partners with Kathy Ireland for new line of rugs". Retrieved February 4, 2015. {{cite web}}: |archive-date= requires |archive-url= (help)
  21. ^ a b "About kiWW". Retrieved April 2, 2012.
  22. ^ "Meet Anne V". British Vogue. May 24, 2012. Retrieved May 25, 2012.
  23. ^ "Supermodel meets supermogul as Warren Buffet teams up with former swimsuit model Kathy Ireland, now a CEO and worth $2 billion", "Daily Mail", May 4, 2013
  24. ^ "Top 150 Global Licensors: Kathy Ireland Worldwide", "License Magazine", May 1, 2013.
  25. ^ Alexander, Ella - "Want to Walk in Supermodel Shoes?" British Vogue, June 13, 2013
  26. ^ "Gorham Catches a Wave with New Kathy Ireland Collection", "HFN Magazine", October 10, 2012.
  27. ^ "Pretty Successful- British Vogue 31 July 2012". Retrieved August 1, 2012.
  28. ^ "kiWW Release". Retrieved August 1, 2012.
  29. ^ "Council for Life". Retrieved August 1, 2012.
  30. ^ "End Poverty 2015/Millenium Development Goals". September 11, 2007. Retrieved May 27, 2009.
  31. ^ "Shire Hakel's Blog". Retrieved August 7, 2012.
  32. ^ "kathy ireland Worldwide Delivers Keynote at Licensing Expo 2012" "ybltv.com", June 13, 2012
  33. ^ http://www.amazon.com/dp/0385503075 Amazon page for Powerful Inspirations
  34. ^ http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000BUTA5U Amazon page for Story Reader 3-Pack
  35. ^ "Mystery Science Theater 3000". TV.com. November 20, 1993. Retrieved July 31, 2008.
  36. ^ "MMP (USA) Announces Global Media Strategy with kathy ireland Worldwide". PRNewswire. January 21, 2015. Retrieved February 3, 2015.
  37. ^ "Ability Magazine: Kathy Ireland Interview with Chet Cooper and Molly Mackin" (2011)". Retrieved April 3, 2012.
  38. ^ "AOL News: Kathy Ireland: The Tragic Shortfall in Down Syndrome Research" (2010)". Retrieved April 3, 2012.
  39. ^ http://www.calstate.edu/pa/News/2012/Story/honorary2012.shtml
  40. ^ "Kathy Ireland From Model to Mogul". Retrieved December 15, 2010.
  41. ^ "A Real-Life Santa Role for Kathy Ireland". December 2, 2013. Retrieved December 2, 2013.
  42. ^ "Kathy Ireland to Receive WithIt 2013 Legacy Award" residentiallighting.com
  43. ^ Ryan Dedmon, Anaheim PD Communications, Dispatchers and Children Honored as 9-1-1 Heroes at Celebrity Golf Tournament, 9-1-1 Magazine, May 29, 2013
  44. ^ "The 2013 Rhapsody Ball". November 8, 2013. Retrieved December 2, 2013.
  45. ^ Arfa, Orit. "Kathy Ireland Named Sheba Ambassador". JewishJournal.com. Retrieved October 7, 2012.
  46. ^ Merritte, Tanya. "ADL to honor Pasquale Natuzzi, Gary Fazio, Kathy Ireland". Furniture Today. Retrieved October 7, 2012.
  47. ^ "JNF Tree of Life Gala". JNF.org. Retrieved September 7, 2012.
  48. ^ Blim, Julie (August 20, 2002). "Kathy Ireland: Designing Woman". CBN. Retrieved April 21, 2009.
  49. ^ "Former model: Fret over being fit, not how you look". CNN. May 5, 2009. Retrieved May 7, 2010.
  50. ^ "Kathy Ireland interview with Chet Cooper and Molly Mackin". Retrieved November 9, 2012.
  51. ^ "Elizabeth Taylor ‘Boiling’ Over Criticism Of Kathy Ireland At Oscars", "Access Hollywood", 03/11/2010
  52. ^ "Elizabeth Taylor and Kathy Ireland", "Zimbio", September 26, 2008
  53. ^ "Kathy Ireland on Her Mentor Elizabeth Taylor", "ET Online", March 26, 2013
  54. ^ Dorothy Pomerantz (February 8, 2013). "The Surprising Link Between Kathy Ireland and Janet Jackson". Forbes. Retrieved December 2, 2013.

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Kathy Ireland.

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